The former Chief Justice of India, Justice J.S. Verma, on Wednesday slammed the government and senior officials for their attitude in the immediate aftermath of the gang rape of a 23-year-old girl in the national Capital on December 16.

After the three-member committee headed by the former CJI submitted its report to the government on amendments to criminal laws, Justice Verma made scathing observations on the home secretary praising the police for their good work in solving the case. "I was shocked to see the home secretary patting the back of the police commissioner. The least that could have been done was to seek an apology from the people for the city being unsafe," he said.

Justice Verma also took a dig at the government's laidback attitude when it came to sending their recommendations to the committee. While the committee received 80,000 recommendations from people from all walks of life from across the globe, the former CJI was disgusted with the fact that some recommendations from officials came in as late as 5pm on Tuesday when the report was to be submitted to the home ministry on Wednesday. "Those responsible for setting up of the committee did not bother to send their recommendations in time," Justice Verma added.

The committee was also miffed with state police chiefs, who did not send any suggestions with regards to changes in laws relating to crimes against women despite being asked for it. "If this is the attitude of the director-generals of police, then something needs to be done to review their appointments," said Justice Verma.

The committee, in its 630-page report to the government, suggested amendments to criminal laws to provide for higher punishment to rapists, including those belonging to police ranks and public servants.

Hanging

While the committee's views come as vindication to those protesting against the callous attitude of the people in power, the panel did not get swayed by the public outcry to hang the rapists. The committee has not included death sentence in their recommendations since suggestion received from women's groups and other activists were against it. The panel also decided against reducing the juvenile age from 18 years to 16 as was being demanded since one of the accused in Delhi the gang rape case, who was the most brutal and barbaric in his assault, is a minor.

Castration

The committee rejected the suggestion of chemical castration of rapists as it considered handing down such a punishment would violate human rights and that mutilation of the body is not permitted under the Constitution.

However, it has recommended enhancing the duration of punishment to up to 20 years in jail for rape leading to death or the victim being reduced to a vegetative state and life for gang rape. In case of gang rape leading to death, the person should be imprisoned for life, it suggested. The present law provides for imprisonment to rapists ranging from seven years to life.

New offences

New offences have been created and stiffer punishment has been suggested. The new offences relating to crimes against women include disrobing a woman, voyeurism, stalking and the scope of trafficking has been enhanced.

The committee has also touched upon marital rape and safety of women in conflict zones suggesting a review of the Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA) that can be used by the forces for exploiting women in areas of conflict.

Among other amendments proposed is a change in Section 100 of the IPC dealing with right of private defence which extends to causing death. There is also a suggestion to bar elected representatives from holding office or for candidates to file nomination for election if a court has taken cognisance of the chargesheet filed by the investigating agency.